Sand Therapy Journeys
Sand Therapy Journeys 6-month programme
Free Introduction to Sand Therapy Jouurneys
Free Introduction to Sand Therapy Jouurneys
The 6-month online Sand Therapy Journeys is a personal and professional development programme for therapists and counsellors, and the new intake will start in autumn 2025. To receive updates and information on when bookings open (July 2025), put your name on the waitlist here.
Free Introduction to Sand Therapy Jouurneys
Free Introduction to Sand Therapy Jouurneys
Free Introduction to Sand Therapy Jouurneys
The 3-unit Introduction to Sand Therapy Journeys is open to all. It covers equipment, creation and witnessing of sandtray (including my own material unavailable elsewhere), history and clinical applications of sand therapy. Please note this free course is now closed for updates/edits, and the updated version will be available in July - to receive a reminder put your name on the waitlist here.
Integrative Sandplay Training
About the Training
I offer introductory training weekends on working with sand in an integrative way. It is open to trained counsellors and therapists working with adults or children, also to teachers, youth workers and other professionals and trainees who wish to explore the transformational healing power of archetypes and symbols through the extraordinary medium of sandplay. Whilst we will cover some theory during this integrative sandplay training, these are predominantly experiential workshops and you will be creating your own sandtrays as well as learning from other participants' sandtrays.
Please note that Integrative Sandplay is different from the classic Jungian Sandplay, in that it incorporates many Jungian principles but also borrows from other models and perspectives. If you are interested in classic Jungian/Kalffian Sandplay, visit the website of the Association for Sandplay Therapy.
2025 Introduction to Integrative Sandplay Therapy
- Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June 2025 - book HERE - this is FULL
- Sunday 31st August & Monday 1st September 2025 - book HERE - this is FULL. To put your name on the reserve list, please email masha@practicalhappiness.co.uk
2026 Introduction to Integrative Sandplay Therapy
- Saturday 14 & Sunday 15th February 2026 - dates to be confirmed. Email masha@practicalhappiness.co.uk to express interest
Training Location:
The Sand & Sound Centre, Office 1 (ground floor), Digital House, 35 Ridling Lane, HYDE, Tameside, Greater Manchester SK14 1NP
Feedback from participants:
'This has been one of the best training courses I have done in a long time. I genuinely didn't want it to end (and I am often someone who wants to move on) - it was like being at home with the group and with Masha. Warm, engaging, insightful, moving, powerful...I could go on. If you want some experience and understanding of sand tray work - and even if you already do it but would like a different perspective - book on this training. It was a real privilege.'
'I attended a 2 day Integrative sand tray therapy course run by Masha Bennett this week, and wow! Amazing. Such powerful work that I can't wait to offer in my practice. Already collecting symbols and eyeing up trays! Thanks so much, Masha, totally recommend her training.'
'After day 2 of the Integrative Sandplay workshop I went away with so much knowledge and understanding. I cant wait to start sharing my new skills with my clients... i loved it.'
'What a really wonderful introduction to sandplay therapy this week. It was quite moving and thought provoking. I have already made a start working with some young people in the sandtray, and the results have helped them connect on a totally different level. Thank you, Masha, for your amazing training.'
'I recently completed the integrative sandplay therapy course with Masha and found it to be a wonderful experience. Masha is so nurturing and held the space so well. We were even treated to the gongs which was fantastic. I would definitely recommended her courses and look forward to hopefully attending more in the future.'
'I have sincerely loved your training as it has continued to re-energise my passion for the sand as a sand therapist!.. You have led us through this training with such skill, sensitivity and humour, I have loved every minute of it.'
Course fees 2025:
Standard fee £245, early bird £215 if booking with deposit paid at least two months in advance. Early bird discount is only offered to self-funding individuals - not if paid for by the employer. Some discounts may be available for candidates on low income. Deposit of £50 reserves your place. The deposit is not refundable but may be partially transferrable to a future workshop, minus £25 admin fee. The balance is payable 2 weeks before the course via bank transfer.
Included in the cost of the workshop:
* use of the Centre's extensive sandplay symbol collection
* light refreshments throughout two days (not lunch)
* course manual (delivered in electronic format)
* CPD certificate
* email or phone support from the tutor in the month following the course (if needed)
Other Integrative Sandplay Courses
For those who have completed the Introduction to Integrative Sandplay, or an equivalent course covering the basics of therapeutic work with sand, I also offer a specialist training Working with Trauma in the Sand, in two parts (each part is two days). More details here.
Another specialist CPD course offered is Sound in the Sandtray: Sound as a Symbol & Healing Symbol in Sand Therapy - more details here (future dates to be confirmed)
I will also be hosting a specialist one-day workshop on Working with Dementia in the Sand with Ann O'Sullivan on Sunday 28th September 2025 - full details here.
Working with Trauma in the Sand Part 1 and Part 2
If you already have some experience/ training in working with sand (minimum 2 day training or equivalent) you are eligible to join the specialist Trauma in the Sand workshops
In sandplay therapy disclosure of difficult personal information is not required
You are in control of what you do in the sand therapy session
Sand therapy helps to enhance creativity and intuition
Integrative sandplay therapy works mostly on unconscious level and does not demand conscious effort
Sand therapy can help promotes sense of play and fun, and reconnect us with creativity
Integrative sandplay therapy is safe and powerful at the same time
Sand therapy can help enhance spiritual connection and growth
There is no requirement for home tasks to be completed between sessions
Sessions can take place at longer intervals than with traditional talking therapies
One-off or occasional sessions can be very powerful in their own right